As 2017 comes to an end, it’s time for everyone to start a new age of progression and growth for 2018. One of the many factors of the New Year’s Resolution regime is setting goals for yourself for the new year. I like to call it, “The Goal List.” The Goal List is a list of 25, 50, maybe even 100 things that people would like to accomplish in the next 12 months of the new year. However, many find trouble with what to include on their goal list, or sometimes may set unrealistic goals that may find them in mental peril trying to achieve. I’m here to give you five ways to make your Goal List perfect and tailor-made to your successful year, as well as share my own list for reference!

1. No List Is Too Big Or Too Small

When it comes to making a Goal List, it can be difficult to determine how big you would want your list to be or how much would be “too much” of a goal list. Your list is your list! It can be as short or as long as you desire it to be because, ultimately, the goals that are going to be completed are up to you and how willing you are to achieve them. So make that list 10 items, or 20, maybe even 50-75! Just make sure that the larger the list is, the more realistic and specific your goals will be.

2. Set Goals That Motivate You

It’s important to set goals that motivate you! This means setting goals that will push you beyond your limits in life to make you a better version of you, but also including goals that are important to you. It’s important to ask yourself, “Will this goal matter in a week from now? A month from now?” If the answer is no, then this will not be a goal that will motivate you. Goals that motivate you are goals that are part of your high priorities in life. Without this type of focus, you can end up setting too many goals that leave you no time to devote to each one. In order to keep that focus, you have to have a “I must do this” attitude. When you don’t have that focus, you risk putting off what you need to do to make the goal a reality.

3. Set Specific Goals

Your goals should be clear and well defined. Any goals that are vague or generalized such as, “I want to work out more,” will not be very helpful or useful to your progression and growth. Instead, your specific goals should look like, “I want to work out three times a week for the next three months.” You need your goals to guide you to a path of a better you. If they are generalized goals, it will be hard to give yourself some guidance on where your goals will lead you.

4. Set Your Goals In Writing

The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible because you have no excuse for forgetting about it. As you write your goals, use words like “will” instead of “would like” to affirm that you WILL attain these goals in 2018! Another great idea would be to use some sticky notes to write some of your high priority goals on your bathroom mirror! That way while you prepare yourself for the day, you can look at the goals you are trying to attain each and every day!

5. Stick With It!

Remember, goal-setting is an ongoing activity, not just a means to an end. Goal setting is a commitment and deserves the appropriate energy to make sure that all the goals you set are attained. It’s important to build in reminders to keep yourself on track, as well as make regular time-slots to review your goals. Make sure the relevance, value, and necessity remain high!

Goal setting is not a cliche action to take when the New Year comes around. Some may believe that it is, but it is a great tool to use to track your progression and growth as a person! Below is my goal list that I have created for your reference! My list includes 50 specific goals that I will attain during MY 2018!